Woods slumped to six over and missed the cut in the US PGA Championship at Valhalla – an event he was doubtful even to start after pulling out of last week’s WGC with recurring back problems.

But if current captain Tom Watson orders Woods to prove he is worth a pick, Monty insists he should come to Europe and try it.

The Scot, who masterminded Europe’s victory at Celtic Manor four years ago, said: “Tiger is clearly injured again. He is not ready to play yet but he’s made an effort this week and tried to prove to Watson that he’ll be ready for the Ryder Cup.

“But then it was a no-lose situation. He had to come.

“So can you pick someone who is a fitness doubt? You’ve got to pick someone who can play five rounds – whether they are going to or not.

“Can he play five rounds? The answer right now is no. But the Ryder Cup isn’t tomorrow – it’s in six weeks so you never know. It’s not my choice, thank God.”

Woods has missed the deadline for next week’s US Tour Wyndham Championship and is out of the FedEx play-off series.

But with six weeks still to go before the Ryder Cup, Monty insists Woods should come to Europe and prove to Watson he is worth a captain’s pick.

After a third-round 72 yesterday Monty said: “What’s wrong with playing in the Italian Open or the Czech Open?

“Those are two tournaments he can play in if Watson says he has to play golf. He needs to play. He was six behind me here. I just thought I’d drop that in.

“Tom’s got Kuchar’s injured, Dufner’s injured, the other fella (Dustin Johnson) has had to pull out with other injuries.

“I know there’s still six weeks to go but I’d rather be in Paul McGinley’s shoes right now than Tom Watson’s. Definitely.”

Azinger swears there’s no point in considering Woods.

He said: “I don’t see how you can take an injured player who’s not playing well. So I don’t think I would pick Woods if I was the US captain.”

Meanwhile, Marc Warren and American Brooks Koepka stormed into the early clubhouse lead.

Glaswegian Warren started day three in a share of 53rd place but blasted up the leaderboard with birdies in his closing three holes for five-under 66.

He was joined some 30 minutes later by Koepka, who birdied his last two holes for a 66, playing alongside Montgomerie.

Warren grabbed seven birdies and had just two bogeys. He said: “It was a great way to finish and I’m really pleased. With the heavy rain we had out there in the round, and making the course even more soft, I was able to play more aggressively. I was able to take on a lot of the flags and that really was the key, so hopefully I can to more of the same tomorrow.

“I played really well today and set up my round with some very good driving.”

Warren has set himself the goal of a similar low score over today’s final round before returning home with his wife and son. He said: “I would be delighted with another 66.”